Cleaning apparatus with splash shield

ABSTRACT

A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle having a handle, a scrubbing portion, and a removable splash shield. The handle includes a grip portion and a channel for removably securing the splash shield to the handle. A plurality of bristles extend radially outward from a bristle stem to form a brush having a substantially cylindrical scrubbing portion. The removable splash shield functions as a shield to contain splashing while cleaning a bottle and when the user removes the scrubbing portion from the bottle.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

PRIORITY OF U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION Ser. No. 61/203,630 FILED Dec. 27, 2008, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IS HEREBY CLAIMED.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus used for cleaning containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved utensil for cleaning containers such as baby bottles and cups, including the internal surfaces thereof.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

The importance of proper hygiene when handling and cleaning infant feeding containers such as baby bottles cannot be overstated. Ideally, bottles should be thoroughly scrubbed with detergent, and thereafter sterilized between uses such as by immersion in boiling water or other similar process.

The use of bottle scrubbing brushes during the cleaning process is well known in the prior art. Such bottle brushes take many forms, but generally consist of a utensil having a shaft with a number of bristles secured at or near the distal end of said shaft. In most cases, such bristles radiate outwardly from the shaft to provide a cleaning brush that can be inserted into the interior of a bottle to be cleaned.

To scrub most effectively, the cleaning surfaces of the brush should be pressed firmly against the inside wall of a baby bottle. The larger the brush, the more such scrubbing pressure tends to be created when the brush is constrained within the bottle. Unfortunately, articles such as baby bottles have relatively narrow mouths or openings, and brushes must be passed through such restricted openings in order to fit within and access the inner surfaces of such bottles.

Accordingly, the need arose for a bottle brush (and, more particularly, the bristles of such brush) capable of compressing to pass easily through a narrowed opening of a bottle, while still generating sufficient expansive force for effectively scrubbing the interior surfaces of such bottle. Flexible brushes are desirable for combining the benefits of compressibility with the expansive force of a larger brush. Although flexible brushes are generally efficient utensils for scrubbing the interior of baby bottles, these articles present several difficulties in practice.

One very significant disadvantage resulting from the compressibility of flexible brushes is the resulting spray caused by the expansion of bristles as such brushes are withdrawn through a restricted bottle opening. The rapid expansion of a brush (and, more particularly, the flexing of the bristles) as a brush is removed from a bottle opening creates a spray capable of inadvertently contaminating sterile containers and/or clean surfaces across significant distances. Such spray can also spread to a person cleaning a bottle and/or the surrounding environment. For this reason, a need still exists in the art for a brush which will overcome known problems associated with cleaning bottles and other containers with conventional brushes.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus, for cleaning articles such as baby bottles. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus that can generate sufficient expansive bristle force for scrubbing against the wall of a bottle when positioned within such bottle, yet can pass easily through a restricted opening of such bottle for insertion and removal. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved bottle brush apparatus having a splash shield to prevent inadvertent contamination of people or objects in the vicinity of such apparatus.

The present invention provides a bottle brush apparatus having a splash shield removeably secured to a handle, wherein such splash shield surrounds a scrubbing portion at the end of the handle. The scrubbing portion includes a plurality of radially extending bristles disposed along the length of a bristle stem. The splash shield operates to contain any splashing caused during insertion of the scrubbing portion into, and withdrawal from, a container such as a baby bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted in a baby bottle along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted in a baby bottle.

FIG. 9. depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention with the flexible splash shield flipped back to expose the brush of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of cleaning apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cleaning apparatus 100 generally comprises brush apparatus 10 and splash shield assembly 20.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 11 having a first end 11 a and a second end 11 b. Said elongate central member 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as a circumference about said longitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposed generally near end 11 a of said elongate central member 11, while bristle stem 13 is disposed generally near the opposite end (end 11 b) of said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Handle 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using a rigid, durable polymer material.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of flexible bristles 30 are affixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets and collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape, and is sized and configured so as to be able to efficiently scrub the inside of a container such as a baby bottle. Bristles 30 are preferably made of a flexible material so that said bristles 30 compress to minimize interference when bristle stem 13 is inserted or withdrawn through the opening of a container (such as, for example, a baby bottle). After insertion into a bottle or other container, said bristles can further beneficially expand to exert force against the interior surface of such container during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generally elongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lower section 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, such that said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at its bottom and narrower at its top. Generally wider lower section 28 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while generally thin upper section 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thin bottles.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includes lower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 defining upper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of a pliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outer surface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantially transparent material that permits objects contained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

In the preferred embodiment, lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit a container (such as a baby bottle) to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be received within channel 14 to releaseably secure splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has sufficient elasticity to permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch around the circumference of handle grip portion 12 of elongate central member 11, yet sufficient rigidity to support cleaning apparatus 100 in an upright position when said apparatus is placed on a substantially horizontal surface (such as, for example, in a sink or on a kitchen counter).

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11 having handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 2) is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11.

A plurality of bristles 30 are anchored to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and collectively define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Bristles 30 are preferably constructed of a flexible material as noted above.

Splash shield assembly 20 generally has lower aperture 21 and upper aperture 22, as well as inner surface 23 and outer surface 24. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of splash shield assembly 20 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20, such that said bristles will not extend below bottom rim 25. Brush assembly 10 is received within upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 forms upper rim 26 that is beneficially sized and configured to be received within channel 14 of brush assembly 10 in order to releaseably secure said splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 is transparent, so that bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 are visible from outside said splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes elongate central member 11 having handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. Channel 14 (partially obscured from view in FIG. 3) is beneficially positioned at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13, and extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. A plurality of bristles 30 extends radially outward from bristle stem 13 of elongate central member 11. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets, and define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Splash shield assembly 20 is releasably secured to brush assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, brush assembly 10 is disposed through upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20, with upper rim 26 being received within channel 14. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the base of brush assembly 10 does not extend below bottom rim 25 of said splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention. Brush assembly 10 includes handle grip 12. A plurality of bristles 30 extend radially outward from bristle stem 13 (obscured from view in FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets that are relatively narrow at their base 31 (near bristle stem 13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30 define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention. Elongate central member 11 (obscured from view in FIG. 5) defines bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are arrayed in multiple bristle sets that are relatively narrow at base 31 (near bristle stem 13), and flared wider at outer extent 32. Said bristles 30 define a scrubbing portion that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Transparent splash shield assembly 20 generally contains bristles 30 of brush assembly 10 within the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20.

FIG. 6 depicts a side section view of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention partially inserted within baby bottle 40 along line 6-6 of FIG. 4. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of baby bottle 40 and provide sufficient expansive force for scrubbing against such inner surface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle 40. Such bristles 30 can flex to pass through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40.

Brush assembly 10 includes substantially cylindrical and elongate central member 11 having first end 11 a and second end 11 b. Said elongate central member 11 has a longitudinal axis, as well as a circumference about said longitudinal axis. Handle grip 12 is disposed generally near end 11 a of said elongate central member 11, while bristle stem 13 is disposed generally near the opposite end (end 11 b) of said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11 between handle grip 12 and bristle stem 13. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Handle grip 12 is preferably molded as a one piece member using a rigid, durable polymer material.

A plurality of flexible bristles 30 are affixed to, and extend radially outward from, bristle stem 13. Bristles 30 are preferably made of a flexible material so that said bristles 30 compress to minimize interference when bristle stem 13 is inserted or withdrawn through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40. After insertion into bottle 40, flexible bristles 30 beneficially expand to contact and exert force against interior surface 42 of bottle 40 during cleaning.

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 has a generally elongate bell-shaped configuration having an upper section 27 and lower section 28. Said splash shield assembly 20 is generally tapered, such that said splash shield assembly 20 is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. Generally wider lower section 28 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over short, wide bottles, while generally thin upper section 27 permits said splash shield assembly 20 to fit over long, thin bottles (such as bottle 40 depicted in FIG. 6).

In the preferred embodiment, splash shield assembly 20 further includes lower aperture 21 defining bottom rim 25, and upper aperture 22 defining upper rim 26. Said splash shield assembly 20 is preferably made of a pliable yet substantially rigid material embodying a one piece design. Splash shield assembly 20 further defines inner surface 23 and outer surface 24, and is preferably constructed using a substantially transparent material that permits objects contained within said splash shield assembly to be visible from outside said splash shield assembly.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to fit over bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. Upper aperture 22 is beneficially sized and configured so that upper rim 26 can be received within channel 14 to releaseably secure splash shield assembly 20 to elongate member 11. Upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has sufficient elasticity to permit said upper aperture 22 to stretch around the circumference of handle grip portion 12 of elongate central member 11.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6. Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Upper rim 26 formed by upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of elongate central member 11 in the immediate vicinity of channel 14. When upper rim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shield assembly 20 is releaseably secured to elongate member 11. However, upper aperture 22 has sufficient elasticity so that upper rim 26 can be made to stretch and pull out of groove 14 when removal of splash shield assembly 20 from brush assembly 10 is desired.

FIG. 8 depicts a side section view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention partially inserted in baby bottle 40 during cleaning of said baby bottle 40. Bristles 30 contact inner surface 42 of baby bottle 40 and provide sufficient force for scrubbing against such inner surface 42 of bottle 40 when bristles 30 are positioned within bottle 40. Such bristles 30 can partially collapse to pass through restricted opening 41 of bottle 40, then expand after passing through opening 41 of bottle 40.

Handle grip 12 is beneficially sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and is preferably made of a durable and resilient gripping material. Application of lateral force to handle grip 12 can force lower end 11 b of elongate central member (and, more particularly, a number of bristles 30) against an inner surface 42 of bottle 40 for improved scrubbing.

Channel 14 is beneficially formed at a desired position along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, channel 14 extends substantially around the entire circumference of elongate central member 11. Upper rim 26 formed by upper aperture 22 of splash shield assembly 20 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of elongate central member 11 in the immediate vicinity of channel 14 (that is, immediately above and below channel 14). When upper rim 26 is received within channel 14, splash shield assembly 20 is releaseably secured to elongate member 11.

Lower aperture 21 is sufficiently large to contain bristles 30 of brush assembly 10, as well as to permit baby bottle 40 to be inserted into the interior space formed by splash shield assembly 20. During cleaning of bottle 40, brush assembly 10 can be reciprocated within bottle 40; splash shield assembly 20 contains any splashing of liquids or other debris or substances caused during the scrubbing process, as well as during insertion of the scrubbing portion into bottle 40 and/or withdrawal from said bottle 40.

FIG. 9. depicts a side view of cleaning apparatus 100 of the present invention with the flexible splash shield assembly 20 flipped back to expose bristles 30 of the present invention. In this position, upper rim 26 is received within channel 14 to keep splash shield 20 secured to brush assembly 10. Bristles 30 and inner surface 23 of splash shield assembly 20 are exposed and easily accessible, such as for cleaning.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention. 

1. A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle, comprising: a. a handle; b. a plurality of bristles affixed to said handle; and c. a splash shield removably secured to said handle.
 2. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a grip sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user.
 3. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a channel for releaseably securing said splash shield.
 4. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said scrubbing portion comprising a bristle stem and a plurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem.
 5. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said bristle sets extends substantially radially from said bristle stem.
 6. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said scrubbing portion is sized and configured to be insertable into the interior of a bottle.
 7. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said scrubbing portion is generally cylindrical in shape.
 8. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said splash shield comprises a first aperture for removably securing said splash shield to said handle.
 9. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said splash shield comprises an interior space sized and configured so as to surround a bottle in a shielded position.
 10. A brush apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said splash shield comprises a second aperture for inserting a bottle into said interior space.
 11. A brush apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said interior space is generally cylindrical in shape.
 12. A brush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said splash shield comprises a first and a second aperture, a perimeter wall extending orthogonally from said first aperture to said second aperture to define an interior space.
 13. A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle, comprising: a. a handle having a grip portion and a channel for removably securing a removable splash shield; and b. a scrubbing portion fixed to said handle, said scrubbing portion comprising a bristle stem and a plurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem, said bristle sets extending substantially radially from said bristle stem.
 14. A brush apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said splash shield comprises a first aperture defining a rim, wherein said rim is received within said channel to removably secure said splash shield to said handle.
 15. A brush apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said splash shield comprises a second aperture, and wherein said splash shield has an interior space defined therein sized and configured to permit a bottle to be inserted into said interior space.
 16. A brush apparatus for cleaning the interior of a bottle, comprising: a. a handle; b. a scrubbing portion fixed to said handle, said scrubbing portion comprising a bristle stem, a plurality of bristle sets coupled to said bristle stem; and c. a means for removably securing a splash shield to said handle.
 17. A brush apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said means for removably securing said splash shield to said handle comprises a first aperture in said splash shield, whereby said handle is slidably received into said first aperture for removably securing said splash shield to said handle. 